Gator Tile System
Innovative and durable 7 components system
for outdoor porcelain tile installation
- Large-format outdoor porcelain tiles
- Residential applications
- All pedestrian uses: patio, pool deck, walkway
- Replacing a concrete slab
- Evacuating water through the channel
- The environment the Gator Base is 100% recyclable
- Facilitates the installation of outdoor porcelain tiles
- Easiest outdoor tile installation system
- Complete the job faster
- Replacing the excavation and backfill of of 6″ (15 cm) of crushed stone
- Lock-in system with spacers, glued, to the tiles, creating a monolithic surface
- The Gator Base designed tongue-and-groove system
- Replacing the equivalent of 288 lb (130 kg) of crushed stone per unit of Gator Base
THE 7 COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM
1
Prevents migration of the bedding sand or chip stone into the native soil.
GATOR FABRIC GF4.4 (100 lbf) is a needle punched non-woven geotextile made of polypropylene fibers. GATOR FABRIC GF4.4 geotextile is ideal for drainage, filtration and will allow water flow of 135 gallons per minutes per square foot (613 L/min/sq. m.) in paver or retaining wall applications. Its filament fibers are used for soil separation and drainage. They combine high durability along with excellent physical and hydraulic properties. It is non-biodegradable and resistant to most soil chemicals.
- Porcelain tile sub base foundation
- Gator Base foundation application
- Protection against erosion
- Drainage control
- Soil separation
- General landscape
- Specially treated to be hydrophilic, it allows high-water flow (135 Gal/min/sq. ft. (613 L/min/sq. m.))
- Drainage and filtration
- Soil separation
- Erosion control
- UV-Resistance
- Inert to soil chemicals (Alkalis, Acids)
- Inert to biological degradation
- Easy to handle
- High strength/dimensionally stable
2
Engineered to replace 6" (15 cm) of compacted crushed stone.
GATOR BASE is an evolution of foundation technology, which saves you time, labor and money. It is ideal for Porcelain tile applications such as: patios, pool decks and walkways. Allowing you to clearly define your spaces and highlight the focal points of the dream staycation area. GATOR BASE is easy to install. A single GATOR BASE panel is equivalent to 130 kg (288 lb) of crushed stone, saving you a minimum of 6″ (15 cm) of additional excavation.
- Save 6″ (15 cm) of additional excavation
- Save 6″ (15 cm) of compacted crushed stone
- 50% savings on the costs of soil excavation
- Save the cost of truck and driver on the road
- Avoids costly unloading and dumping fees
- Reduces labor costs by a minimum of 20%
- Reduces wear and tear on machinery
- Reduces overall installation time
- Reduces unnecessary excavation
- Project completed faster and easier
- Gator Base panels help transfer dynamic and static loads
- Helps to combat the labor shortage
- Take Note: For pedestrian use only
- Manufactured using lightweight high-density polypropylene
- Has an R-Value of 3.6 which acts as a thermal blanket
- Is extremely durable and will not degrade in the ground
- Equivalent to 288 lb (130 kg) of crushed stone
- Designed with a tongue and groove system LOCK-N-GO
- Replaces 6″ (15 cm) of compacted crushed stone
- Designed for pedestrian applications only
- Water evacuation channels
- Covers 5.79 sq. ft. (0.54 sq. m.) per panel
- Watch our video
23.5 in x 35.5 in (60 cm x 90 cm) Water evacuation channels Under License from Brock International Patented and Patents Pending: www.brockpaverbase.com
- Gator Base replaces 6″ (15 cm) of crushed stone!
- Saves hours of work!
- Installation on compacted sand or ASTM No. 9 stone also used for permeable joints application
- Equivalent to a traditional granular base under dynamic loads
- The interlocking panels distribute dynamic loads of up to 8 PSI (55 kPa) or 1152 lb (522 kg) on a 12″ x 12″ (30 cm x 30 cm) tile to a very wide area, practically eliminating any pressure on the ground
- LOCK-N-GO: designed with a tongue and groove system
- Better frost protection
- Less destructive to property during the construction phase
- Installing large Tile format
- Building; patios, walkways and pool surrounds
- Supporting an 18″ (45 cm) seating wall or fire pit
- Compatible with a heated paving system (up to 122°F (50°C))
- Staging tiles throughout the Gator Base
- To avoid stepping on setting bed
- Replaces a traditional granular base
- Completing job minimum 20% faster
- Tolerant against rain showers
- Watch our video
- All projects with difficult or easy access
- Up a hill
- Narrow workspaces
- Where construction speed is critical
- No industrial equipment required
- Areas with restricted access
- Stairs
- Narrow alleys
- Easy to use, install and transport
- Material storage is prohibited in streets
3
Provides uniform spacing and stability to the Gator Tile system.
- Porcelain tile installations
The spacer disk can be cut into either a half or a quarter-unit (using an utility knife) to be used along the edge of a building or the Gator Tile Edge. Simply break the spacer bar’s to obtain a flat disk, when spacer is needed on larger porcelain tile.
| Joint Size | Colors | |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ (6.4 mm) | Black |  |
| 3/16 (4.8 mm) | Grey |  |
| 1/8″ (3.2 mm) | Blue |  |
| Calculator | |
|---|---|
 | 16″ x 16″ (40 x 40 cm) tiles sq. ft. × 0.4 = number of spacers (sq. m. × 4.3 = number of spacers) |
 | 24″ x 48″ (60 x 120 cm) tiles sq. ft. × 0.35 = number of spacers (sq. m. × 3.77 = number of spacers) |
 | 16″ x 32″ (40 x 80 cm) tiles sq. ft.× 0.75 = number of spacers (sq. m. × 8 = number of spacers) |
 | 36″ x 36″ (80 x 80 cm) tiles sq. ft. × 0.29 = number of spacers (sq. m. × 6 = number of spacers) |
| Product | Joint Size | Units per pack | Packs per box |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATOR SPACER | 1/4″ – 3/16″ – 1/8″ (6.4 mm – 4.8 mm – 3.2 mm) | 50 | 6 |
4
Ensures mechanical binding and structural integrity of the system.
- Outdoor porcelain tiles
- Overlays and pool copings
- Fire pits (up to 400°F (204°C))
- Steps and wall caps
- Dry and damp surfaces
- Permanent Bond in 24 hours
- Long open time – repositioning up to 30 minutes
- Works above 32°F / 0°C
- High solids – provides excellent coverage
- Non-shrinking – does not crack or lose bond
- Xtra Bond Strength (up to 3 times the strength of conventional adhesives)
- Xtra Durability against torsion and tension
- Waterproof
- VOC compliant
- Low odor
| ADHESIVE STRENGTH CHART | 24 hours | 7 days |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete to concrete | 850 PSI | 1000 PSI |
5
The safety belt that will provide a strong lateral support.
- Reinforces the outside perimeter
- Creates a strong lateral support
- Will not corrode
- Easy-to-use
- Versatile
- Robust system
- Support strength
- Come in 8-ft (2.44 m) lengths
- Use with Gator Base Screws
6
The mechanical bond of the 2 main components on any Gator Base install.
Fastening Gator Tile Edge with the GATOR BASE SCREWS through the Gator Base reinforces the outside perimeter, creating a strong lateral support. GATOR BASE SCREWS are a required component on any Gator Base install.
- Fasten the Gator Tile Edge to Gator Base
- Locking all components into one
- Use with all Gator Base installation
- Use with all the Gator Edges: Rigid and Flex, Mini and Tile
- Reinforces the outside perimeter
- Creates a strong lateral support
- Locking all components into one
- Use GATOR BASE SCREWS to fasten Gator Edge to Gator Base
7
The only polymeric jointing sand for outdoor porcelain tile.
- Outdoor porcelain tile joints
- Pedestrian use
- Residential use
- For use with Gator Tile System only
- Patios, pool decks and walkways applications
- Rain safe 1 hour after water activation
- Works above 32°F (0°C)
- Waterproof bags: Lay the bag flat on its back, so the front of the bag is facing you. Intact pallets can be stored outdoors.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1 • Excavation of the new Gator Tile area
Excavate the new Gator Tile area. The depth required is calculated by adding Porcelain Tile height, Gator Base, Gator Spacer, bedding sand, plus any soft organic material that has to be removed. Excavate the perimeter an extra 6″ (15 cm) wider on all sides than the tile area required.
STEP 3 • Addition of Gator Fabric GF 4.4 (geotextile), levelling and compacted bedding sand
- Lay down a Gator Fabric GF4.4 and cover the entire excavated area.
- Spread an even layer of sand to a depth of maximum 3/4″ (19 mm) • The levelling and compacting of the bedding sand will be the last step prior to installing the Gator Base.
- Water the sand prior to using a hand compactor and/or plate compactor, compact the 3/4″ (19 mm) of bedding sand until you obtain a final height of 1/2″ (13 mm) of compacted bedding sand, that should reflect the final tiled surface.
- C-33 sand or ASTM No. 9 stone can be used as bedding material.
STEP 4 • Installation of the Gator Base
- Make sure to install the Gator Base on the extended excavation area (total excavation should be 6″ (15 cm) wider on each side than the final tiled area).
- Start laying the Gator Base units ensuring Gator Base interlocks with the tongue & groove system.
STEP 5 • Installation of Porcelain tile and Gator Spacer
Gator Spacers should receive a generous amount of Alliance polyurethane XP glue on each quadrant. Install the Porcelain Tile on the Gator Spacer, apply pressure or tap the tiles with a rubber mallet at all corners. This will ensure that the tiles are adhering to the Gator Spacer. The Gator Spacer will be left in the tile installation permanently, ensuring proper alignment and stability of your project for years to come.
STEP 6 • Installation of Gator Tile Edge and Gator Screws
Install Gator Tile Edge on the Gator Base using Gator Base Screws, make sure that Gator Tile Edge rests firmly against the tiles. Use Gator Base Screws at every second hole.
Gator Tile Sand Installation Steps
STEP 7 • Sweeping, compacting and blowing of the Gator tile Sand (When using the GATOR tile sand, the porcelain tiles must be installed on a Gator Base foundation, using the Gator Tile System.)
- When emptying the bag of Gator Tile Sand, spread it onto the dry, tiled surface. • When sweeping the Gator Tile Sand, spread it over a small area before moving onto the next, while making sure to fill in the joints.
- It is now time to compact the sand into the joints using a rubber mallet. Do not use a plate compactor. Repeat filling and compacting of the tile joints. Finally, sweep the surface with a fine bristle broom and remove all excess sand. • Ensure the Gator Tile Sand is 1/8″ (3 mm) lower than the tile chamfers or erosion may occur. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with foot traffic.
- Finally, use a blower to blow off all sand residue laying on the tile surface.
WATER ACTIVATION (IMPORTANT NOTES)
- Work in manageable sections, ideally about 100 sq. ft. at a time, depending on temperature.
- Do not allow Gator Tile Sand to wash out of joint.
- Never allow tiled surface to dry out during the water activation phase.
- Watering must be started at the lowest point of the tiled surface.
- Use a watering gun connected to a hose. Setting should be set to shower.
Moss: Gator Tile Sand will not cause nor prevent moss, mold or mildew. Moss, mold and mildew are caused by certain on-site conditions including excess moisture, shade, absence of ventilation, inadequate cleaning or maintenance, presence of soil or other organic debris left on the product.
STEP 8 • Gator Tile Sand water activation steps
- Shower water on a specific area of 100 sq. ft., wait no longer than 2 to 3 minutes.
- Shower and rinse simultaneously on a section of approximately 100 sq. ft. so as to eliminate any Gator Tile Sand residue left on the tiles.Wait no longer than 2 to 3 minutes.
- Shower and rinse simultaneously, so as to eliminate any Gator Tile Sand residue. Any residue should go directly into the tiled joints. However, stop showering when you see water retention on the tiled joints. Wait no longer than 2 to 3 minutes. Note: Repeat the directions of steps 8a to 8c for all other areas that have not been showered with water.
- Use a leaf blower to remove any excess water remaining on the tiled crevices. This blowing action is necessary to help remove any remaining Gator Tile Sand residue left on tiled surfaces from the previous steps.
Important
The water used in steps 8a to 8c will activate a bonding action as well as condensing Gator Tile Sand in the joints. It is important to water the Gator Tile Sand a total of 3 times, as per steps 8a, 8b and 8c. To little water will not properly activate the Gator Tile Sand and will reduce the final performance.
This warranty is given by the manufacturer of this product (hereafter “Manufacturer”). The Manufacturer cannot guarantee results, as it has no control over surface and sub-surface preparation and product application. Moreover, there is no warranty if the porcelain tiles are installed directly on bedding sand or concrete foundation. However, for a period of 15 years from purchase, the Manufacturer agrees, if the product is proven to be defective, and on the condition that it was installed pursuant to the method of application of surface and sub-surface preparation described above, to refund the purchase price of the Gator Tile polymeric sand. Proof of purchase is required for any claim.
Please Note: This Tile Sand warranty is only valid if used as part of the entire Gator Tile System. (When used together with all seven components, see installations instructions.)
Please Note: This limited warranty applies only when the product is used for residential purposes exclusively (home owners or contractors using the product for single or multi-unit dwellings that are exclusively for residential pedestrian use).